Bonds Set For Ex-fugitive`s Kids

Son Not Expected To Post Amount

March 2, 1985|By Kathleen Pellegrino, Staff

Bonds were set Friday for the children of the only woman ever named on the U.S. Marshal Service`s ``15 most-wanted list.``

Melanie McNelis, 18, daughter of Judy Hass McNelis, was released on a $100,000 personal surety bond to the custody of an aunt and is expected to return to Valdosta, Ga., to await trial on charges of harboring a federal fugitive.

Her brother, David, 20, is not expected to be able to make the $150,000 corporate surety bond set in his case. He too faces charges of harboring a federal fugutive.

The younger McNelis, under the terms of her bond, was not required to post collateral, but her brother would be required to produce collateral before he is released.

They were arrested Saturday in Fort Lauderdale with their mother.

McNelis, 41, was awaiting trial on charges of drug violations and first- degree murder in the drug-related killing of Frank Maars in Palm Beach when she escaped in July 1983 from the Valdosta city jail, according to authorities.

McNelis is being held without bond and expected to appear Wednesday at a hearing to determine whether she should be returned to Valdosta to face the escape charges.